Classic Porsche: the 911 (997) - 2009-Present

Generation II.

The Porsche 911 Type 997 got a complete overhaul in 2008 to be revealed in the 2009 model year cars. 2009 was the first year of the Second Generation, or Gen II, of the model 911 Type 997. Initially, a redesign seemed simply gratuitous - why mess with perfection? As it turns out, Porsche doesn't actually believe in "perfection", but they are die-hard fans of the pursuit to attain it.

The second generation of the model 997 included updated versions of every model unveiled in the first generation with the exception of the limited edition Club Coupe. The Carrera, Carrera 4, Targa 4, the S variations of the basic three, the GT3, the GT3 RS, the Turbo and the Turbo Cabriolet all got tweaked, upgraded and pumped full of the latest technological advancements. In addition to the Gen I originals, Gen II included the GT3 Cup, the GT3 RS 4.0, the Turbo S (both Coupe and Cabriolet), the Sport Classic, Speedster, Carrera GTS and finally the GT2 RS. If you can't find a Porsche model to fulfill your desires in the model 911 Type 997 Gen II line-up, odds are it doesn't exist anywhere.

The updated and redesigned components include revised suspension, front bumpers with larger air intakes, new LED tail lights and turn signals, optional HID projectors for the headlights, direct injection engines with redesigned exhausts, updated PCM system with optional touch-screen navigation, and a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) 7-speed dual clutch transmission as a replacement for the Tiptronic S option.

The Turbo and Turbo Cabriolet have been outfitted with a completely new 3.8L 6-cylinder 500HP boxer engine with variable turbine geometry turbos. They are only available with a 6 speed manual transmission or the optional 7 speed PDK. The PDK option can also be further upgraded to include launch control and overboost. The PDK package cars come with 3-spoke steering wheels with shift paddles as opposed to the standard steering wheel and shift buttons. The higher spec version, the Turbo S, is only available with the 7-speed PDK gearbox and includes a power boost of 30HP for a grand total of 530 angry horses.

The model 911 Type 997 GT3 was made available in the US in November of 2010. It received some obvious aerodynamic upgrades, doubled it's down force and for the first time offered stability control as an option to help less experienced drivers keep all 429 horses bursting out of the 3.8L engine under control. The RS version of the GT3 was designed for the homologation requirements of the racing version of the model 911 GT3. With an engine rated 440HP, it sports a shorter gear ration, PASM suspension, a titanium crankshaft and a wider stance with bodywork to accommodate it. The final version of the GT3, the GT3 Cup, is based on the GT3 RS but has a wider rear, a lower front lip, a 67 inch rear wing, racing exhaust, LED taillights, ceramic composite brakes, specially designed front and rear anti-roll bars, a steering wheel mounted information display and it only comes in Carrera White.

Included in the Gen II herd of Type 997's is the new mid-level model 911, the Carrera GTS. Beefier than the Carrera but not quite as fierce as the GT3, the Carrera GTS comes in coupe and convertible with a wider stance, and upgraded 408HP 3.8L engine and a eye-catching reflective strip between the taillights to help it stand out in a crowd. It is available in 2 or all wheel drive.

The limited editions of the Gen II's include the 911 Sport Classic, the 911 Speedster and the GT3 RS 4.0. The Sport Classic, inspired by the '73 Carrera RS 2.7, comes in Sport Classic Grey and features an interior with Porsche Exclusive woven leather seats and door panels and Espresso Nature natural leather on the dash. Mechanically it features a 6-speed manual gearbox, PASM suspension and a mechanical rear axle differential. Aesthetically it wears a SportDesign front apron with a spoiler lip and a fixed rear spoiler a la the '73 Carrera RS 2.7. Only 250 of these beauties were built, and all of them were sold.

The model 911 Speedster, available in Pure Blue and Carrera White, shares the same 3.8L 408 HP engine that powers the Carrera GTS. It is only the third Speedster that Porsche has ever produced and only 356 will be built as an homage to the iconic model 356 that began the Porsche legacy the 1950's.

And finally, as a grand finale, the ultimate evolution of the Type 997 reveals itself in the model 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The new 493HP 4.0L version of the Type 997 GT3 RS features more power and torque due to the employment of the crankshaft from the RSR and it's increased stroke dimensions. Chassis tweaks gleaned from the GT2 RS and various other RS 911's along with front dive planes for additional down force help make this car a force to be reckoned with. Production will be limited to 600 cars.

Since it's introduction to the world on September 11, 1963 the Porsche model 911 has undergone continuous development and re-design. It has been raced on some of the toughest tracks around the world and pitted against some of the fastest cars ever produced and come out on top time and time again. It has been packed with every luxury imaginable for the pampered tourer and savagely stripped down to raw performance for the die-hard speed freaks. It has been released at every level in between with a seemingly endless number of options offering enthusiasts the opportunity to own a unique, high-performance car custom built to meet their own desires. It is beautiful, it is fast, it is responsive, it is tough, it is reliable - it is the definition of high performance. Porsche owners possess a sense of pride in ownership that is unequalled in the industry. They love their cars.... and there is no wonder why.

Newer classic 911's like the 2009's 997 series may seem too young to be considered classic - and in fact they are according to your typical insurance company. A proper classic insurance policy with a company familiar with a Porsche's special nature is especially important with these younger classics.